Why Did a Sarpanch Lock a School? Shocking Education Negligence Exposed!

Sarpanch Takes a Stand Against Educational Negligence

Paralakhemundi: A striking incident unfolded in Gajapati district when the sarpanch of a remote gram panchayat took drastic action by locking a school. This protest was aimed at addressing the alleged negligence of teachers in providing education within the panchayat, located near the Odisha-Andhra border.

The event transpired at a school in Sardiga village on Monday. Upon visiting the school, Gangabada sarpanch Haribandhu Karji was taken aback to discover that a teacher had locked the classroom and sent students home by 8:30 am. When he inquired with the students, he received vague answers.

In response to this negligence, the sarpanch added another lock to the school gate before leaving. He also issued a warning about potential protests from the panchayat if the state government and district authorities did not take action against the negligent teachers.

Karji expressed concern over reports indicating that teachers in several schools across Champapur, Manikapatna, and Sagadia villages under the Gangabada panchayat have been neglecting their responsibilities. Earlier that day, he visited multiple schools in the area and even took the initiative to teach students as a form of protest.

He noted that many teachers are irregular in their attendance, and even when present, they often spend their time in office rooms rather than engaging with students.

At the Champapur school, Karji found children playing outside and promptly brought them back to the classroom for lessons. Alarmingly, the teachers were unaware of the situation until nearly half an hour after his arrival. This incident highlights a troubling reality, as the state government continues to promote the Odia language and improve educational standards in border regions, while the actual conditions tell a different story.

Reports indicate that the education system in the remote areas of Gajapati district, especially near the Andhra Pradesh border, is severely lacking. Allegations suggest that schools in these border areas are often neglected, with teachers skipping their duties and failing to provide education, despite their regular attendance.

Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh government is making efforts to integrate residents from these fringe areas by establishing Anganwadi centers in Odisha villages near the border and distributing ration supplies, reportedly enticing residents to shift their allegiance.